12 cool seaside vacation spots in Russia

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Options for active tourists and those who just want to swim and sunbathe.

Curonian Spit, Baltic Sea, Kaliningrad Region

This unusual nature reserve is something like a museum of natural areas. You can see both deciduous and coniferous forests and sand dunes. Moreover, all this fit on a rather narrow and long piece of land: the spit stretches for 98 km between the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea, from Zelenogradsk to the port city of Klaipeda in Lithuania. Slightly less than half of this territory belongs to Russia. Further there is a border post and the Lithuanian border.

Prices and accommodation

An adult visitor will need to pay 150 rubles to enter the reserve (children under 12 years old can enter for free, pensioners are entitled to discounts). On the Curonian Spit there is the Curonian Spit National Park - several tourist centers and guest houses are located. Prices vary greatly: in some, accommodation will cost 450-900 rubles per person, and for more comfortable conditions you will have to pay from 2,000 to 8,000 rubles per night. You can also sign up for an excursion there.

And do not forget to download to your phone the official application of the reserve with tourist points marked on an interactive map - this will help you to navigate the area.

Beach and sea

In addition to the stunningly beautiful forest, the Curonian Spit boasts wonderful beaches: white sand, cleanliness and lack of people. You can swim on both sides of the spit, but it is worth taking into account that the water is different in temperature: in the bay it is fresh, therefore it warms up faster, but the Baltic Sea is quite cool. It is most comfortable to swim in it in July - September.

sights

To see everything, it is more convenient to rent a car: the Curonian Spit is quite long. Buses leave from the bus station about every half hour, and many tourists travel on them. Public transport stops all along the Russian part of the spit, so you can see the main sights: the Müller height, the Efa dune and the famous Dancing Forest - one of the trademarks of the spit. There, the trees bend very strangely, resembling dancing people or even snakes. Why they look like this is still a big mystery.

If you are lucky enough to be here in August, try to attend the annual festival How Kites Clouds Dispersed Kites "Goodbye Summer!" Usually the event takes place on the seashore, and it looks unusually colorful. Just check the date and venue in advance on the website.

The Curonian Spit will definitely appeal to hardy lovers of outdoor activities. For the rest, it is better to calculate the strength, because the road can be difficult. Of course, the shoes should be comfortable.

Amber, Baltic Sea, Kaliningrad region

Now the village of Yantarny (former German Palmniken) is a rather ordinary place with bad roads and undeveloped infrastructure. But there are wonderful beaches here.

Prices and accommodation

There are not enough hotels, restaurants and entertainment in general in Yantarny. Nevertheless, you can rent a very good one for 3,500 rubles or stay in a former Prussian king. True, the prices there are not very democratic - from 9,500 for a standard room.

Beach and sea

The sea coast is the main value of the village (not counting, of course, amber mining). Here you will find an amazing wide and clean beach with fine sand, the first in Russia to receive the Blue Flag, and enjoy the sunsets.

The Baltic Sea is cool. Therefore, it is best to swim in August, when the water warms up to 20 Water temperature in Amber ° C.

sights

There are not many attractions in the village itself, except perhaps the museum of the Amber Combine and the former Lutheran church, which has been preserved almost in its original form. Be sure to take a walk in Moritz Becker's cozy park.

Also worth appreciating is the wooden promenade that stretches through the wooded dunes and the flooded quarry where swans and ducks live. By the way, there you can go fishing right from the boardwalk.

Pionersky, Baltic Sea, Kaliningrad region

Another pleasant corner of the Baltic coast. Once the former German city of Neukuren was a famous European resort with a wide beach and developed infrastructure. Of course, now almost nothing has remained of the former splendor, but a unique natural landscape has been preserved here, and lucky tourists still occasionally find amber on the local beach.

Prices and accommodation

Although the village is small, you can find different options for living: from a very nice family one for 6,000 rubles a day to spacious two-bedroom apartments for 4,600. In addition, apartments are rented here.

Beach and sea

At the end of the promenade there is a small beach with wooden sun loungers and parasols. But tourists are advised to swim and relax in the left, unequipped part of the embankment - there is not so much smell of seaweed and fish, and in general it is much more pleasant to be.

Swimming is comfortable from July to late August. But sometimes in September the water can be warmer than in summer.

sights

In Pionerskoye, old German buildings have been preserved, and in some places even paving stones, but otherwise the village itself is unremarkable. But not far away is the "presidential dacha" - one of the government residences. You should definitely look at the birch grove on the seashore and the swans, which can often be found near the water.

Novorossiysk, Black Sea, Krasnodar Territory

Novorossiysk is a port city, but at the same time it is relatively clean and comfortable here.

Prices and accommodation

With all the advantages of Novorossiysk, there are very few decent hotels in the city, but you can rent modest ones for a whole week - and for only 6 650 rubles. A less democratic one will cost 5800 rubles for two nights.

Beach and sea

The best place to swim is on the famous Sudzhuk Spit, which stretches for several kilometers from the Tsemesskaya Bay. Pebbles can make it difficult to get in and out of the water, so it's best to wear special shoes. In general, the spit is well maintained: there are changing cabins, sun loungers, souvenir shops, paid parking and places to eat.

sights

There is a pretty embankment in Novorossiysk. But the most important attraction is the famous "Small Earth" memorial. There is also a museum of military equipment. In Tsemesskaya Bay, you can find a monument to Geshe Kozodoev from the film "The Diamond Arm" (although the picture was not filmed here at all, but near Tuapse).

Arabat arrow, Sea of Azov, Crimea

A long spit on the western coast of the Sea of Azov serves as a natural barrier to the salty waters of Lake Sivash. Tourists come here not only for the unique seascapes, but also for healing healing mud.

Prices and accommodation

At the moment, the northern part of the arrow belongs to Ukraine, the southern part to Russia. At the same time, there is no direct road to the arrow from the Russian side, and regular public transport does not go there. Therefore, you will have to hit the road from Kerch or Feodosia in a rented car. Infrastructure is also out of the question, so be sure to get your supplies ready in advance.

Beach and sea

Going to the Arabat Spit is primarily for the sake of the magnificent shell beach. But it is imperative to walk on it in shoes - tourists write about thorns digging into their feet. Another misfortune of the arrow is the abundance of mosquitoes.

sights

They say that there is very useful mud in Sivash: no worse than on the shores of the Dead Sea. Among other sights, one can only mention the remains of the Arabat fortress. But they do not come here for the sake of a cultural program: there are unique sunsets and a unique landscape.

Kerch, Azov and Black seas, Crimea

Kerch is one of the most ancient cities in the world, so there is nothing surprising that a huge number of architectural and historical monuments are concentrated there. But the most important thing is that from here you can get to even more interesting places.

Prices and accommodation

Finding decent housing in Kerch is not so easy, there are no large sanatoriums or hotels. But a modest one can always help out for 700 rubles or a private one for 3,900 per day.

Beach and sea

Kerch is washed by the seas from two sides at once. But let us warn you right away: those who value privacy will definitely not like it on the city's crowded beaches. It is much better to look for wild beaches outside the city - these include, for example, the village of Geroevskoye, the coast of the Kazantip Bay, or the Arabatskaya arrow, which we wrote about above.

sights

You should definitely see Fort Totleben, the ruins of the ancient city of Panticapaeum, the ancient city of Nympheus and the Turkish fortress Yenikale. It is also convenient to get from Kerch to the amazing pink Koyashskoye lake to admire the wild nature on its shores and the incredible Opuksky nature reserve.

Livadia, Black Sea, Crimea

Livadia attracts tourists with its cozy coastline stretching for many kilometers. The beach is located between the lake and the sea.

Prices and accommodation

Livadia is considered to be a fairly well-known holiday destination, so accommodation problems are unlikely to arise. The area is full of tent camps, recreation centers, apartments and private cottages. A standard double room at one of the local tourist centers will cost 3,800 rubles (although the situation, admittedly, raises questions). For lovers of quiet rest, Livadia is not suitable - there are too many noisy vacationers.

Beach and sea

Wide shoals covered with fine golden sand are thoroughly cleaned of debris and glass. The water here is extremely clean, clear, blue-blue, and the local underwater fauna is very diverse.

sights

The former residence of the Russian emperors, the Livadia Palace and Park Museum-Reserve, is a must-see. It costs 400 rubles to enter there without benefits, but the rich exposition is definitely worth it. Hikers should definitely walk along the Tsar's path, which leads from the Livadia Palace to Gaspra. One way trip takes at least 2 hours. Wear comfortable shoes and take water with you - there will be nowhere to buy it along the way.

Cape Tarkhankut, Black Sea, Crimea

The westernmost point of Crimea, located in an ecologically clean region of the peninsula. People come here to admire the steep cliffs and enjoy the surprisingly clear sea water.

Prices and accommodation

Only a savage can stop right on the cape itself. You will find a more civilized accommodation in the resort village of Olenevka. There you can stay in a campsite, holiday home, hotel or private accommodation. An average double room will cost 1,700 rubles per day.

Beach and sea

The best beach of Tarkhankut with a length of 2.5 kilometers can be found in the Karadzha Bay. Tourists even nicknamed him "Bounty" or "Miami" for the turquoise sea and white sand. The place is quite wild, but there is still minimal infrastructure.

Divers from all over the world come here for the crystal clear sea water. But even if you are not planning on scuba diving yet, just try snorkelling here - you will have a lot of fun.

sights

Do not by any means bypass the amazing natural pool called the Cup of Love. Water flows there naturally from an underground tunnel. It is also worth seeing the Dzhangul tract, the Bolshoi and Maliy Atlesh nature reserves and the stunningly beautiful Tarkhankut lighthouse. Inside there is a small museum dedicated to the history of the anchor.

Gelendzhik, Black Sea, Krasnodar Territory

As in other resort towns, Gelendzhik has problems with architecture and street decoration, but the infrastructure is extremely clean and well developed. In addition, it is not necessary to rest on city beaches. You can stay in a pleasant hotel (here Gelendzhik especially pleases with its variety) and go out of town to admire the picturesque waterfalls and seascapes.

Prices and accommodation

Finding a place to live will not be difficult: here is a solid one with a swimming pool and a gym, but this pleasure costs as much as 14,400 rubles per night. For a more democratic one, you will have to pay 4,300 rubles, and it will cost at least 2,160 rubles. If you wish, you can check into cute ones, which cost 3,900 rubles per day.

Beach and sea

The water in the city is rather dirty. So it is worth looking for wild pebble beaches in the area of Thin Cape and Blue Bay.

sights

Speaking about Gelendzhik itself, it is impossible not to mention the huge Zolotaya Bukhta water park. You will have to spend a lot of money on it: an adult ticket - 1,750 rubles, a child ticket - 900. Renting a locker will cost 200 rubles, and another 200 needs to be added as a deposit.

You can take a suburban bus to the waterfalls on the Janet River and take a walk with obligatory bathing (entrance there will cost 250 rubles). Then see the Plesetsk and Pshadsky waterfalls, appreciate the valley of the majestic Tkhab river, which is wide at first and then narrowing to a canyon.

In the area of the village of Praskoveevka there is the Parus rock. This unique natural landmark is a solid stone monolith towering 25 meters above the sea. You can see him on a sea excursion or by driving a rented car. Just keep in mind: to get closer, you have to overcome slippery stone rubble, so it's better to do this without children and elderly relatives.

Anapa, Black Sea, Krasnodar Territory

It is worth going to Anapa for at least a variety of beaches: there are both sandy and pebbly ones. In addition, the distance to Gelendzhik is relatively short - 84 km, so you don't have to limit yourself to just one city.

Prices and accommodation

Expensive, but very modern and well-furnished costs 12,900 per night, simpler - 5,800, and ordinary by the sea - 2,500. You can find charming, very inexpensive for 2,000 rubles (the main thing is that you want to leave such a room at all).

Beach and sea

The water in neighboring Dzhemete and Vityazevo is much cleaner than in Anapa, and in Vityazevo it is also not so crowded on the beaches. Therefore, it is better to spend children's and family holidays there.

sights

Go to see the cypresses standing right in Lake Sukko, 20 kilometers from Anapa. Keep in mind that 600 rubles will be charged for entering the territory by private car, so it makes sense to take a taxi and get off at the gate. You can ride a catamaran on the lake or just walk around and enjoy the view.

Sochi, Black Sea, Krasnodar Territory

After the Olympics in Sochi, there were new roads, infrastructure facilities, beautiful hotels, modern catering points and much more. Of course, all this had a positive impact on the development of the resort and the overall standard of living in the city.

Prices and accommodation

A big advantage of Sochi is its chain hotels, where the quality is at its best. But the prices there bite, so you will have to pay 22,800 rubles for it. There are no less cute ones for 6,950 rubles. A small but light one can be taken for 2,300.

Beach and sea

The beaches in the central region of Sochi are rather dirty, often in bottles and broken glass, so it is better to look for places to relax on the sea in Lazarevskoye. Local beaches are rocky, but clean, for convenience there are wooden paths.

sights

Sochi beauties can be enumerated for a long time: national, Agursky waterfalls, an old yew and boxwood grove in Khost, which will not leave indifferent any nature lover. It is worth going to the Mamedovo Gorge - there you will find a very beautiful natural route along the Kuapse River.

Stanitsa Golubitskaya, Sea of Azov, Krasnodar Territory

This option is well suited for those who are counting on a modest and relaxing holiday and want to be closer to nature.

Prices and accommodation

You can relax in Golubitskaya by settling in a recreation center (four nights for 10,000 rubles) or in a private household (for example, for 2,500 per day).

Beach and sea

The sea is very shallow and warms up quickly, so you can swim in it already in May. The beaches in Golubitskaya are mostly shell-like.

sights

There are not so many entertainments and attractions in the village. Many tourists come here to swim in the healing mud ponds. For this, volcanoes are suitable and it will not take long to get to them. The man-made valley of the Indian lotuses also deserves a mention. To see it, you have to pay 600 rubles per person, but tourists tell the Valley of Indian Lotus that it is a worthy sight.